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Toast to 25!

When Merriman’s Waimea celebrated its 25th anniversary, there was more than enough reason to cheer Hawai‘i Island’s landmark resto. One of the founding members of Hawai‘i Regional Cuisine, chef Peter Merriman championed the farm-to-table concept long before it became trendy. Since then, this toque has inspired the next generation of chefs. So what better way to mark the occasion than with blasts from Kahu Danny Akaka Jr.’s conch shell! It was also no surprise than this celebration drew kudos from none other than Gov. Neil Abercrombie. After the honors, Merriman marked the occasion by presenting $25,000 to island charities. –Photos by Kirk Lee Aeder